NEWCASTLE United have moved into pole position in the chase for highly-rated France striker Kevin Gameiro – provided that they can convince him to turn his back on a move to Spain.
Flushed with the success of landing Lille’s French international midfielder Yohan Cabaye last week, United’s next target is to bring in a striker, and they are now leading the chase for Lorient’s coveted star Gameiro.
They also want Lille striker Gervinho, but The Journal understands the club have no intention of bringing in both, and the fact an eight-figure bid has been lodged for Gameiro would suggest he remains the priority target.
Newcastle had a £10million offer accepted late last week, which puts them ahead of fellow suitors Valencia, Seville and Paris-Saint Germain – who won’t cough up Lorient’s high asking price for the striker.
Gameiro’s club are understood to be very keen to do business with United because Newcastle’s board intend to pay the fee up front, which has been Mike Ashley’s policy over the last two years.
Spanish clubs tend to pay in instalments, which makes Gameiro’s desire to move to La Liga less appealing to Lorient.
Gameiro’s advisers informed English suitors a few weeks ago that Spain was his preferred option, but he is still open to moving to the Premier League, with United’s growing French contingent proof of their pulling power in that country.
United are confident they will be able to convince Gameiro and his advisers about a move to Tyneside.
However, he has been included in the France squad for Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Belarus and friendlies against next year’s tournament hosts Ukraine and Poland, meaning any decision may have to wait until the conclusion of the summer internationals on June 6.
If that doesn’t work, United look poised to turn to Gervinho – who is attracting plenty of interest himself.
As yet no fee has been agreed for the Ivory Coast striker, but negotiations between his club Lille and United have begun, with Gervinho understood to be interested in discussing a move to St James’ Park.
